The Medical Director will be focused on Kidney Disease and related conditions that impact kidney function. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work at the forefront of early clinical and translational research within CVRM. In a multidisciplinary environment, you will play a key role in progressing a rich and diverse pipeline of both small and large molecules in numerous active clinical programs. Who We Are In the Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism (CVRM) Translational Medicine & Clinical Development (TSCD) department, we are investigating the underlying factors contributing to CVRM disease progression using advanced scientific methodologies and data-driven drug discovery. In this context, we are evaluating a wide range of different drug modalities from our rich CVRM portfolio of compounds across kidney disease patient populations. TSCD is where science meets clinical drug development with a focus upon delivering innovative, early phase clinical studies and accelerating human target validation while collaborating closely with our late phase clinical development and regulatory colleagues who guide our pivotal phase 3 clinical studies. What You Will Do You will be responsible for managing and leading to early phase I-II global clinical trials and related clinical research projects for compounds that are targeting kidney disease, as well as serving as an expert on the design, conduct, monitoring, data interpretation, and reporting of these studies. Additionally, you will work on cross-functional teams within our TSCD group and across the broader global CVRM organization that are framing our strategies and development plans for compounds that are targeting cardiovascular diseases such as Heart Failure, as well as major metabolic disorders, such as Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis, given that these disorders intersect with chronic kidney disease and influence disease progression. Responsibilities include: Lead early Phase I–II global trials in kidney disease: clinical strategy, protocol design, study conduct, monitoring, data interpretation, and reporting, ensuring scientific integrity, patient safety, and regulatory compliance. Provide clinical leadership to cross-functional teams; integrate preclinical insights (target selection, pharmacology, in vivo/in vitro data) into early clinical plans and seamless transitions to late phase development. Contribute to regulatory interactions and documentation (e.g., CTAs, INDs, safety updates, annual reports). Advance the development and validation of nonclinical and surrogate endpoints (including imaging and biomarkers). Represent TSCD internally and externally through presentations, publications, and scientific forums; engage with external experts and translate insights into strategy and study design. Help evolve trial operations and site engagement to improve speed, quality, and inclusivity in early studies. Collaborate across CVRM on programs in heart failure, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, given their intersection with kidney disease. Basic Qualifications: MD, MBBS or MD/PhD with clinical or research expertise in in the treatment of kidney diseases. Minimum of 1 year of clinical research in academia and/or the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry. Experience designing, executing, monitoring, interpreting, and overseeing safety in early clinical and translational trials preferred. Strong command of biomarkers, surrogate endpoints, and biostatistics, supported by a robust publication record. Well developed interpersonal skills, effective teamwork, and the ability to engage stakeholders effectively across functions, geographies, and disciplines. Why AstraZeneca? Here, we need leadership at every level – Physicians who not only have clinical and scientific expertise, but also the ability to build a case, engage multiple partners, and communicate effectively with different audiences. With that kind of remit comes great responsibility. We truly believe that everyone contributes with an outstanding set of competence. Your curiosity and passion for personal development combined with support from colleagues, mentors and leaders, will ensure you maximize your skills, abilities and contribution. When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and bold world. Date Posted 28-Nov-2025 Closing Date 11-Dec-2025 Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company. We focus on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science, challenge convention and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. To embrace differences and take bold actions to drive the change needed to meet global healthcare and sustainability challenges. There is no better place to make a difference in medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture where you will connect different thinking to generate new and valuable opportunities. Where you will find a commitment to lifelong learning, growth and development for all. Our Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) mission is to create an inclusive and equitable environment where people belong, using the power of our diversity to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to the success of our company, because innovation requires breakthrough ideas that only come from a diverse workforce empowered to challenge conventional thinking. We’re curious about science and the advancement of knowledge. We find creative ways to approach new challenges. We’re driven to make the right choices and be accountable for our actions. As an organisation centred around what makes us human, we put a big focus on people. Across our business, we want colleagues to wake up excited about their day at the office, in the field, or in the lab. Along with our purpose to bring life-changing medicines to people across the globe, we have a promise to you: to help you realise the full breadth of your potential. Here, you’ll do work that has the potential to change your life and improve countless others. And, together with your team, you’ll shape a culture that unites and inspires us every day. This is your life at AstraZeneca.